Statistical literacy in the 21st century
Teaching Data Science
to Future Generations
October 22, 2024
Statistics is the grammar of science. The language needs to be understood
Statistical numeracy
The ability to perform basic mathematical operations necessary for understanding / working with data.
Skills Involved: Arithmetic operations, understanding proportions and percentages, and calculating measures like mean, median, and standard deviation.
Application: Essential for conducting statistical analyses and interpreting numerical data accurately.
Statistical literacy
The ability to understand, interpret, and critically evaluate statistical information and data.
Skills Involved: Understanding basic statistical terms, interpreting data representations (graphs / charts), and critically evaluating statistical claims in various contexts.
Application: Used daily for informed decisions from statistics. Understand news reports, scientific studies, SoMe, and prevent misinformation.
Why?
Learn to ask the right questions and evaluate the answers
- Is that a big number?
- Why am I presented this number? (How does it make me feel)?
- Which population is represented?
- How are people put in boxes?
- How uncertain is that estimate?
- Does it really show causation or “only” association?
- What the idea behind algoritms such as LLM?
Teaching statistical literacy
Acquiring statistical literacy is like learning a language or music.
EXPERIMENT
Tinker with running experiements. e.g., through simulations. Get familiarity with
(Test)
DISCUSSION
Written essays discussing and high-lighting interpretations and problems.
(Evaluate)
DESIGN
Plan investigation to obtain evidence. Group workshops with pros, cons, and pre-mortems.
(Build)
All require time …